The Dallas Cowboys’ roster cutdown day might have just gotten a little more complicated.
In a surprise trade, the Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have agreed to terms that would bring QB Trey Lance to the Lone Star State.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter broke the news late Friday afternoon, originally stating it would be a mid-round pick.
Shortly thereafter, NFL Insider Ian Rapaport followed up that report with news that it would be a 4th round pick.
Dallas would also assume the $6.25 million left on Lance’s contract over the next two seasons.
What Does This Mean For Trey Lance?
Lance will earn a fresh start to his NFL career under the tutelage of Head Coach Mike McCarthy and Quarterbacks Coach Scott Tolzien.
The North Dakota State University product is entering his third season as the third overall pick by the 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft.
In two seasons, he has started a total of four games, and has a record of 2-2.
His stats during those games don’t jump off of the page at anyone.
He has averaged 54.9% completions, but his average actually dropped from his rookie year to his sophomore season.
Lance has five touchdown passes to three interceptions, and has also contributed 235 yards rushing and one rushing touchdown.
His 14.2 yards per completion average is encouraging, and is likely a trait along with his athleticism that caught Mike McCarthy’s eye.
Lance played only one game in his Covid-19 shortened senior season in the FCS, and has less than 500 pass attempts total in the past five years.
He fell out of favor in San Francisco this offseason during a three way quarterback competition closely monitored by 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan.
San Francisco brought in former number one overall pick Sam Darnold, who eventually won the backup quarterback job behind incumbent starter Brock Purdy.
What Does This Mean For Dallas?
For starters, this gives them a project quarterback, something Mike McCarthy is notorious for during his coaching career.
It also appears his current project, Will Grier, has seen his last action as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys.
Grier was widely expected to wrestle away the backup quarterback job from Cooper Rush last offseason before a groin injury slowed his momentum.
Filling in for an injured Dak Prescott, Rush led Dallas to a 4-1 record, and earned a contract extension this offseason that cemented him as the backup to Prescott.
Grier had a chance to challenge for that spot again this offseason, but couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity.
What Does This Mean For Dak Prescott?
Currently, it’s barely a ripple in the water, but it may mean something for the future.
The Cowboys have been vocal about working on a contract extension for Prescott, but the addition of a top five pick like Lance may put a hold on that.
Many are saying this is a prove it season for Prescott, as the Cowboys have taken an all-in approach to put talent around him for a Super Bowl run.
Should Prescott not be able to lead the charge, it could signal the end for him in Dallas if Lance can develop under new coaching.
